Box Score MARSHALL, Texas – The playoffs have already started for the East Texas Baptist University men's soccer as they are in “win or go home” mode. ETBU prevailed on 'Senior Night' for the five seniors in the program with a 2-0 win over McMurry University. McMurry drops to 3-10-2 overall and to 2-5-2 in ASC play. ETBU improves to 9-8 overall and to 4-5 in ASC play.
ETBU outshot McMurry 11-4 in the first period and McMurry outshot ETBU in the second period 9-8. ETBU outshot McMurry 19-13 overall. ETBU made their opportunities count as senior Joel Ramirez notched his sixth goal of the season off a cross from Daniel Rutter. Ramirez dove in front of a defender to sneak the ball into the back of the net.
ETBU found their second goal in the form of senior David Jackson who scored his sixth goal of the season in the 49th minute. Jackson lined up to shoot a penalty kick, but it was blocked right back to Jackson who then converted the deflection into a goal. ETBU earns their seventh shutout of the season behind Bryant Botello's seven saves.
Josh Erwin, Jesus Sanchez, Mike Cruz, Ahmad Holt Jr., and Matt Hernandez all had two shots for McMurry in a balanced attack for the War Hawks. Alex Chavez was notched with the loss after allowing two goals and saving eight shots.
Jordan Burke led ETBU with five shots, Dominic Wood had four shots and three shots on goal, and David Jackson had three shots. Jackson and Ramirez scored their sixth goal of the season to maintain the team lead. Rutter notched his second assist of the season.
Head soccer coach Chris Crawford, “It was a great win. We dialed in and focused early, knowing that if we played our game, and do the things we want to do going forward, we know we can be a dangerous team. It is a good step going into the weekend.”
ETBU returns to action in a must win game to keep their season alive against Hardin-Simmons University. If ETBU ties and the University of Texas-Tyler loses, the ETBU will advance to the ASC Tournament next week. The match will be played after the women's match at 6:30 p.m. at Cornish Field.
